68 c10 2wd in Sacramento, CA

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by dmack91

A quick question on your front suspension swap.

When you swapped to the newer crossmember, did you swap in the newer steering box also? If so, was it a direct bolt-in? My understanding is that if you don't swap the box, you will have to get some weird tie rod adapters.

Any progress on your truck?

I did not swap the steering box. My truck did already have power steering, I don't know if that was a factory installed option, or something a PO installed. Basically I used every piece of the front suspension and it was a near perfect bolt in. The only things I modified were 2 sets of holes where the xmember bolted up (hogged one set out a little and d4illed new holes for the other) and then the shock mounts are kind of angled the wrong way but will still bolt in. It just tweaks the bushings at the end of the shock. But I am going to build a new shock mount anyways. As far as the steering though, I unbolted the pitman arm from the steering box and the idler arm from the frame, and they bolted right in to my 68. I didn't take apart the tie rods or anything, just swapped it as an entire assy.

[dmack91]

Thanks, that is what I wanted to hear. His 68 already has power steering so I will do as you and just transfer everything but the box.

I am also assuming we will need to use the newer master cylinder and booster as the old MC was set up for drum/drum.

Thanks again.

[no1udknow]

Originally Posted by dmack91

Thanks, that is what I wanted to hear. His 68 already has power steering so I will do as you and just transfer everything but the box.

I am also assuming we will need to use the newer master cylinder and booster as the old MC was set up for drum/drum.

Thanks again.

Yes, also a pretty easy modification. I had to cut off part of the bracket from the m/c of the 85 because the top 2 holes wew not used, then I notchd the lower rh corner of the bracket to clear the steering column housing. If I were to do it again though, I would space the booster away from the fire wall about 1-2 inches because the column shifter hits the bottom. Then just lengthen the pushrod for the booster a little. I have a hard time puttin my truck in park sometimes.

[dmack91]

Thanks again. While my son is finishing the body work, I am going to get the suspension swapped over (much easier with the body off). Unfortunately, the parts truck (78 C10) we bought cheap a friend really wants to build up, so he is going to look for just a suspension set-up for us to swap for the parts truck.